CEO of Telekom Srbija: Newsmax Balkans Will Evolve into Newsmax Europe

Speaking about the successes of Telekom Srbija, Lucic emphasized the company's significant media breakthrough and expansion efforts, noting that sports channels have brought the greatest excitement to viewers. He added that further milestones are still ahead.

"I spoke with the owner of Newsmax TV, who is eager to see your channel become Newsmax Europe. I can now exclusively reveal that an expansion into Eastern Europe has been agreed. I believe this is the most realistic starting point for entering Europe. From Belgrade, Newsmax will expand into Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Albania, and Greece," Lucic said on Viewpoint of the Day (Stav dana), a Newsmax Balkans program.

Foto: Milena Đorđević

He stressed that such a channel will be well-received in those countries.

"There’s truly a lot to learn from Newsmax," Lucicadded.

The Telekom Srbija CEO noted that the initial phase includes establishing Newsmax offices in Brussels and the United States.

Entire Serbia to Be Covered by 5G Signal by 2027

The CEO of Telekom Srbija announced that by 2027, the entire country will be covered by 5G signal, emphasizing that this project – supported by both American and European partners – will significantly contribute to the development of the region’s digital economy.

"We’ve already launched a company, and users can access TV services, but our main asset, as we did in Austria and Germany, will be mobile telephony. People will be able to buy our American SIM card, which comes with an attractive package suitable for use in the U.S., but without roaming charges in our region and with unlimited international calls," Lucic explained.

According to him, this kind of package has proven successful in Austria and Germany, where Telekom has more than 240,000 mobile and 160,000 TV users.

"Total revenue in Europe from this will exceed 50 million euros, and the U.S. presents enormous potential. Our mobile telephony services there will launch early next year," he stated.

He went on to say that he expects successful projects with the new U.S. administration, while also noting that Telekom had excellent relations with the previous administration of President Joseph Biden.

"We had excellent cooperation and initiated projects such as with the U.S. Export-Import Bank. In the coming period, the benefits of bringing that bank in will become evident. It will support our 5G project and all American technologies we implement. We are the only operator in Europe under such an agreement," Lucic emphasized.

Foto: Milena Đorđević

According to the CEO, the Serbian government has adopted a decision on minimum pricing and licensing, with three licenses to be allocated for the 5G network.

"All three operators will be given the opportunity to build a 5G network, and the process will be completed within three to six months. Network construction will begin this year. This will bring major benefits to the emerging digital economy, which will be based on three major pillars: 5G and fiber-optic internet, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity," he explained.

He noted that both Brussels and Washington have recognized Telekom Srbija as the main operator in the Western Balkans and a key driver of the future digital economy, and both have decided to support and finance it.

"We will have significant support to quickly implement a high-quality 5G network. By 2027, when the EXPO is held, the entire territory of Serbia will be covered by 5G signal. Users will immediately benefit from faster internet speeds, as well as, as the President mentioned, self-driving cars – which cannot function without 5G," said Lucic.

Foto: Milena Đorđević

He expressed pride in the fact that Telekom, once a small operator starting in Serbia, now operates in 12 countries and generates more than 2 billion euros in revenue.

Lucic also commented on the company’s position in Kosovo and Metohija, saying that he discussed it during a visit to Washington. He expressed hope that the political and economic pressures faced by Serbs and Serbian institutions in the region will be reduced.

"I hope we will resolve the licensing issue once new U.S. ambassadors are appointed," Lucic concluded.

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